PIL in HC for 'Safety Handle' for two-wheeler pillion riders

Published: Thursday, January 31, 2008, 0:02 [IST]

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Mumbai, Jan 30 (UNI) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Bombay High Court seeking implementation of certain provisions in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, which makes 'Safety Handle' mandatory for two-wheeler pillion riders.

Acting on the PIL, a division bench comprising Justices Bilal Nazki and Sharad Bobade has asked the state government as to how it was going to implement the provison, and granted a week's time to file a reply.

A resident from Uttar Pradesh, Gyanprakash, has moved the High Court saying Maharashtra tops in the list for fatalities from two wheeler accidents.

During the course of hearing today, the petitioner contended that Maharashtra accounts for the largest, 15.1 per cent, of all nationwide two-wheeler accidents and nearly 2439 persons die every year in such accidents in the state.

He said Rule 123 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules makes Safety Handle for pillion rider on every motorcycle mandatory. He also urged on the need for a ''Saree Guard'' and that three-fourths of the rear wheel needs to be covered.

When the assistant government pleader sought time to respond, the bench said there was nothing to defend, and all that the state was required to do was to say how it will implement the provisions.